Spark’n Conversations

The Electrical Association and Federated Insurance have been partnering for over 60 years. In our latest podcast, Mike sits down with Regional Marketing Manager, Jordy Christian, to discuss everything you need to know about insurance.     After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Federated Insurance website:  https://www.federatedinsurance.com/

Join Mike and Chris in this episode as they unpack the 2023 electrical code amendments, with a spotlight on alterations to medium voltage regulations. Get insights into the extended rules and a comprehensive discussion on how these changes will shape the landscape of the electrical industry.   After listening to the podcast you can go directly to ElectroTech's website:  https://www.electrotech-inc...

Have you considered buying or selling a business? Do you need help in figuring out how the process works? Richard sits down with Mike in our latest episode to help answer your questions when it comes to buying or selling a business.    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Sunbelt Business Solutions website for more information:  https://www.sunbeltmidwest.com/  

The Electrical Association has collaborated with Lake Street Works well before the creation of their workforce development program. Jess and Mike sit down for a discussion, delving into what the program is, the students, and so much more!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Lake Street Works website to learn more:  https://www.lakestreetworks.org/

Goodwill-Easter Seals is a workforce partner of the Electrical Association. Mike sits down with Kristen to learn about the organization, the YouthBuild program, and more!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Goodwill-Easter Seals YouthBuild website to learn more:  https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/services/youthyoung-adult-services/youthbuild  

Summit Academy OIC is one of the Electrical Association's workforce partners. Mike sits down with Amanda to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to Summit Academy's website to learn more:  https://saoic.org/  

Electrical vehicle charging stations are popping up all over Minnesota and there is a need for more electricians to be certified to work on them. Beth Kallestad, Principal Sustainability Planner at the Office of Sustainability and Public Health for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, discusses with Mike the requirements for EV charging station certification, Minnesota's EV Infrastructure P...

Employment laws have changed since the last time Kate was a guest. Kate came back to chat with Mike about the latest legislative session and how employers should update their employee handbooks to reflect the new changes. 

As of August 1, 2023 recreational marijuana will be legal in Minnesota. Employment law attorney, Kate Bischoff, joins Mike Miller in this episode to discuss what employers can expect when this new law goes into effect. 

The 2023 legislative session was a busy one for Minnesota. A lot of changes have been made to the labor laws. Tom joins Mike on the podcast again to inform listeners of the new laws to help keep everyone informed and up to date. 

Cyber attacks happen all the time. People and businesses needs to understand the importance of cyber security. Marc Miller and his employees at Imagine IT are here to help. Marc sits down with Mike in our latest episode to discusses the importance of being aware of cyber attacks and what to do if your system is compromised.    After listening to the episode, feel free to learn more about ImagineIT...

The GAP School is one of the newest workforce partnerships with the association. Mike sits down with Tony to learn about the school, the participants, and much more. Take a listen!    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the GAP School website to learn more:  https://www.thechangeinc.org/gap-school.html

MN DLI Investigation Supervisor, Sean O'Neil, joins our host, Mike Miller, on our latest podcast episode. Sean and Mike discuss many things including how people act when they learn they are being investigated, what it is like during an investigation and the top violation complaints that Sean and his team receive.         

The newest service available through the Electrical Association is Project 2 Payment. Vice President of Sales, Ryan Beck, discusses with Mike Miller how this service can help make the customer experience easier and more efficient during your projects.    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the Project 2 Payment website to learn more:  https://project2payment.com/electrical-associ...

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law on August 16, 2022. Katie Jones from CEE talks with our host, Mike Miller, about how this law will help you both personally and professionally.    After listening to the podcast you can go directly to the CEE website to learn more:  https://www.mncee.org/  

Polly has been working in the electrical industry for decades. She went from working on the jobsite to now being the Dean of Construction Sciences & Building Technology at Dunwoody College. Polly talks with our host Mike Miller as to what it is like being a woman in the industry. 

Kate Bischoff stopped by the office to talk to Mike Miller about employee handbooks for the electrical industry. Kate and Mike discuss what should be in your handbook, how long it should be, how Kate can help your business, and so much more! 

Chad Kurdi joins Mike Miller to talk about electrical charging stations and how the BKV Group uses them in their projects. 

Former President of the Electrical Association, Judi Rubin, and past Chair and owner of Norman's Electric Service Inc, Tom Kopperud, stopped by the office to talk with  Executive Director, Clara Albert, to talk about the history of the Electrical Association. 

Chief Electrical Inspector with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Dean Hunter, stops by the office to talk with Mike Miller about the upcoming changes in the 2023 code book. 

Mike chats with Ron Wirtz of the Federal Reserve about Inflation, factors affecting high supply costs, and Ron's work in the banking system.

Tom Revnew joins Mike Miller to discuss recent developments concerning the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in federal projects and their impacts on merit-shop contractors.

Mike Miller visits with Gary Helm, Association Health Plan Consultant with North Risk Partners in Mendota Heights, MN on the ins-and-outs of the Health Spark healthcare plan now available to members of the Electrical Association.

The Association's newly elected President, Jeff Kunkel, joins Mike Miller to discuss the importance of electrical apprenticeships and how the Electrical Association can help apprentices get the training they need to succeed in the electrical industry. 

Mike is joined by the Electrical Association's own Michelle Dreier for a discussion about the nature of prevailing wage work, how prevailing wage impacts contractors, and the '22 spring wage survey.